Woman, elderly man hospitalized after crash on U.S. 77

A woman and elderly man were hospitalized Sunday afternoon after a wreck at the intersection of Fleming Prairie Road and U.S. Highway 77.

Jane Whitehead, 35, of Corpus Christi was headed south driving a Chevy Malibu when she was struck by the elderly man, who was driving a Dodge Dakota headed east, said Department of Public Safety Trooper Wayne Cipriani.

The incident happened about 1:45 p.m.

"It sounded like a small explosion," said Paul Minardi, who witnessed the wreck. "It was bad enough that I really believed that someone died."

The Malibu skidded into a utility pole, turned 180 degrees and struck a road sign before coming to a complete stop.

Witnesses said the man, whose name was not available, was hit so hard his dentures were knocked out and fell onto the road.

The extent of both their injuries was not available. Both were taken by ambulance to Citizens Medical Center.

The Victoria Fire Department, Raisin Volunteer Fire Department, Victoria County Sheriff's Office and Department of Public Safety responded to the scene.